Edward Burtnysky on climate crisis: ‘We should be screaming fire… but we’re rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic’

Published

11 months ago

March 2, 2024

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Photographer Edward Burtynsky says people should be “screaming 10 alarm fire right now,” due to the urgency of the climate crisis. Instead, he says “it still feels like we’re rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic”.

The 69-year-old Canadian artist has re-invented landscape photography, spending the last 40 years documenting man’s dominance over the planet.

He explores human impact across the world – in all its beauty and bleakness.

But does he see any conflict in creating beautiful images documenting such devastating impact on the earth?

He tells Sky News: “My work is revelatory, not accusatory.

“Every living species takes something from nature to survive, and we as a top predator, take quite a bit from nature to survive.

“All these things I’m showing would be perfectly fine if there were one billion human beings on the planet. The fact that there’s eight billion makes it a problem. It’s just too much of a good thing.”

His large-scale panoramas both celebrate and question human ingenuity, challenging his audience to look beyond their backyard.

They also act as a critical reminder of what could be at stake without urgent changes to the way we use the planet’s resources.

Born in Ukraine, Burtynsky’s parents moved to Canada after the Second World War. His father – who gave him his first camera as a child – died when he was just 15.

Precipices and helicopters

The necessity to earn enough money to allow him to study photography led him to find work in big industry, working in both the auto and mining industries as a young man.

“I moved far north and worked in big mines. And I got to see those worlds, first-hand. And I think it was that kind of opening my eyes to this other world that gave me the idea that most people haven’t really seen these worlds”.

Progressing from standing on the edges of perilous quarries and mines to get his shots (admitting, “my mother didn’t approve, it was sort of dangerous”), he now uses helicopters to get his aerial images.

Over four decades, his photography has seen him travel to multiple countries across every continent (except for Antarctica), with his works included in the collections of more than 60 museums around the world.

Disappearing rivers of ice

His recent trip to photograph the Coast mountains of British Columbia, Canada, for his latest exhibition – New Works – was a stark reminder of a swiftly changing world.

From his bird’s eye view, he could see the glaciers – which date as far back as 150,000 years – had receded dramatically compared with 20 years ago because of warming as a result of human activity.

Not only a visible measure of man’s impact on the environment, the disappearing rivers of ice will go on to impact the ecosystems that rely on their meltwater.

Burtynsky’s new collection also explores soil erosion in Turkey, and the impact of coal mines in Australia.

He admits it’s sometimes frustrating trying to relay the urgency of the climate emergency message.

‘Our legacy is troubled’

“We have this particular moment in time and things are evolving rapidly. I’m trying to invoke a sense of urgency out there… This is actually scientifically being charted and we’re pretty good at predicting what to expect.”

His environmental message – which is his life’s passion – is deeply held.

“I have two daughters and I want them to have a chance to have a family, too. So, if you know, the legacy that we’re leaving behind is troubled.

But his ecological vigour is also rooted within his personal knowledge of big industry. He says our use of the world’s most valuable resources is not something that can just stop, but instead needs careful planning, with alternative energy incentivisation, to help us transition to more sustainable methods.

So, what’s his view on the growing army of climate activists drawing attention to the cause by doing ever more extreme things to hit the headlines – particularly when that involves demonstrations in art galleries?

‘I understand the frustration’

“I understand why culture and the arts in particular can be a target, and somebody trying to bring attention through art celebrity. And that’s what’s happening, they’re taking a famous painting and throwing some paint on it… Or gluing themselves…

“I would think that demonstrating in front of the companies that are causing the problem might be a better place – to go direct to the source of the problem. But I understand the frustration.”

As for the renewed scrutiny on the source of funding for some of our big arts institutions, including galleries and museums accepting money from big oil companies, he says it’s a tricky path to navigate.

‘Be careful what you wish for’

“The line in a way is dangerous because you can all of a sudden find out that culture is no longer viable.

“I think as well, the oil companies have to transition, and they can do a lot to make a difference.

“We still need oil in the meantime until the transition occurs, [and we should] be careful what we wish for, because if all of a sudden the oil stopped tomorrow, I’d call that anarchy.

“We wouldn’t have food coming into the cities. We wouldn’t have transport working, everything would come to a screeching halt. So we are, unfortunately, still bound to that energy source for the foreseeable future.”

Part of that future, he believes, lies in the essential role that art can play in raising ecological awareness.

‘There’s still time’

“Artists have a role and creativity has a huge role in the future, because we have to reinvent our world. We have to find a world that isn’t built on this consumer culture saying the more stuff I own, the happier I am.

“I think everybody’s finding that that’s a bit of a shallow value system that may have been sold to us by some very influential advertising campaigns.”

So, should viewers of his work feel optimistic or pessimistic on leaving the gallery?

“I hope people can walk away saying there’s still time to do something.

“I think pessimism tends to lead to cynicism that nothing will work, so [people think] ‘Why should I bother? I’ll just carry on business as usual’. And I don’t think that’s the right attitude.”

But alongside that optimism, Burtynsky’s clear-eyed on the challenges the world is facing.

Atmospheric rivers, water bombs and heat domes

“The storms are coming – we’re hearing all kinds of new terminology: ‘Atmospheric rivers’; ‘water bombs’ – these the massive amounts of water hitting a city all at once; ‘heat domes’. All of these new terms to try and describe what’s coming.

“The fire seasons have already started early, Texas is having one of its worst fire seasons ever, and it’s a month and a half, two months early.”

He concludes: “It’s a question of how quickly we’re able to cease and desist the worst activity that we’re doing, which I’d say right now is CO2 loading in the atmosphere and is our most immediate problem.

“We’ve got a lot of problems, and I think if people are going to act, they need to act. The time for words is way over.”

Edward Burtynsky New Works is showing at Flowers Gallery until 6 April.

A retrospective of his work, Extraction /Abstraction, is showing at the Saatchi Gallery until 6 May.

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Watch the full interview on The Climate Show with Tom Heap, Saturday and Sunday at 3.30 and 7.30pm on Sky News.

Entertainment

Kay Burley retires from Sky News after 36 years

Published

59 mins ago

February 5, 2025

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Kay Burley retires from Sky News after 36 years

Kay Burley has announced she is retiring from Sky News after 36 years at the broadcaster.

Burley, 64, was part of the team that launched Sky News in 1989 and has been the face of the channel ever since, covering royal events, general elections and other major stories.

Closing her final show on the Sky News Breakfast programme, she said: “From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.

“News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.

“But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.

“But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.

“So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer’s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!

“Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome.

“I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch.”

‘Unmatched legacy’

Raised in Wigan, Lancashire, Burley took her first steps into journalism at 17, reporting for the Wigan Evening Post and Chronicle.

She secured a job with the BBC on its local radio stations and then on a local TV before being recruited by Scottish broadcaster Andrew Neil and moved to the fledgling Sky News in the 1980s as one of its founding presenters.

Her live coverage of 9/11 won Sky News a BAFTA award.

David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, said: “With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay’s legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky’s legacy. And I’m sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won’t face her indomitable questioning in the mornings.”

He added: “We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck.”

Former Sky News editor-at-large Adam Boulton posted on X: “The one and only Kay Burley announces she is leaving Sky News.

“Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British News and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. Onward Kay I know it’s going to be exciting!”

Sky News’s political editor Beth Rigby said: “No one does live telly like Kay Burley. Our anchor woman for decades, Kay’s has been THE face of Sky News for as long as I can remember.”

Rigby added: “She’s been a trailblazer & inspiration to a whole generation of women. You’re one of a kind.”

Former Sky News journalist Simon McCoy shared an image on X from when he worked with Burley and wrote: “That’s how long she worked at Sky News!

“Wishing Kay Burley all the best for whatever comes next.”

Sky News business presenter Ian King posted on X: “It is impossible to overstate the achievements of my brilliant and supportive friend @KayBurley.

“No one in the world has clocked up as many hours of live television. No doubt politicians will be glad she is leaving – her loyal viewers will not.”

Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid called Burley “a fierce advocate for viewers, a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television”.

Reid wrote on X: “That she gets her own #BreakingNews announcement is testament to @KayBurley impact on news journalism… She is going to be hugely missed from our screens. Good luck Kay.”

Former BBC Newsnight producer Sam McAlister said she was “devastated” by the “absolute icon” retiring from Sky News.

McAlister wrote on X: “Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews.

“An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company.

“Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background.

“A sad day.”

Entertainment

Hollywood stars set to light up Glasgow Film Festival

Published

59 mins ago

February 5, 2025

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Hollywood stars set to light up Glasgow Film Festival

James McAvoy, Tim Roth, Jessica Lange and Ed Harris are among a raft of Hollywood stars set to tread the red carpet at this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

The event – scheduled to take place between 26 February and 9 March – will feature 13 world and European premieres, 66 UK premieres and 12 Scottish premieres from 38 countries.

Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) will open with the world premiere of thriller Tornado, with Pulp Fiction actor Roth set to be joined by Scottish director John Maclean and Japanese co-stars Koki and Takehiro Hira.

Harris and Lange will attend the UK premiere of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, the big-screen adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s seminal American play.

Academy Award-winner Lange will also appear in a special In Conversation event where she will reflect on her career, which kickstarted with the 1976 movie King Kong.

Lange has picked up numerous awards over the years, including two Oscars for Tootsie and Blue Sky.

She also has eight Emmy and Golden Globe awards, some of which were won due to her performances in TV anthology American Horror Story.

Meanwhile, Formula One champion Damon Hill will attend the world premiere of Sky’s new documentary Hill.

The film, featuring intimate interviews with the sportsman and his family, will tell the story of how he overcame losing his legendary father Graham Hill in a plane crash to follow in his footsteps to become a world champion driver himself.

A host of homegrown talent will also light up the festival.

X-Men: First Class star McAvoy will introduce a special screening of his breakthrough role in 2006 film The Last King Of Scotland, while 1917 actor George MacKay returns to the festival with the Scottish premiere of the post-apocalyptic musical The End.

In addition, Line Of Duty star Martin Compston will be joined by James Cosmo and Solly McLeod at the world premiere of the first episode of new Amazon Studios-produced thriller Fear, which was shot in Glasgow’s West End.

Meanwhile, Martyn Robertson’s Make It To Munich will have its world premiere as part of the closing gala.

The inspiring documentary tells the tale of Scottish teenager Ethan Walker, who just months after nearly losing his life in a traffic accident, embarked on a charity cycle from Glasgow’s Hampden Park to Munich for Scotland’s opening game of Euro 2024 against Germany.

Allison Gardner, chief executive of organiser Glasgow Film and director of GFF, said: “I cannot begin to say how excited I am by the brilliant programme we have curated, the breadth of films on offer genuinely has something for everyone.

“We’re also thrilled to bring a host of well-known faces to Scotland, to tread the red carpet outside the city’s iconic Glasgow Film Theatre.”

Ms Gardner plans to retire after the festival, following more than 30 years at Glasgow Film.

She added: “Everyone across Glasgow Film works very hard to make the magic happen and I cannot thank all my colleagues enough for their hard work, enthusiasm and sheer brilliance in making this not only a great festival to attend, but a friendly and supportive environment to work in.

“I shall be sad that this is my last festival as I’ve had so many magical moments over the years, but I know the great work we have done will ensure that audiences, filmmakers and industry colleagues will continue to support what I consider to be the best film festival in the world.”

Entertainment

Ozzy Osbourne to reunite with Black Sabbath for ‘final bow’ performance

Published

4 hours ago

February 5, 2025

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Ozzy Osbourne to reunite with Black Sabbath for 'final bow' performance

Ozzy Osbourne is set to reunite with his Black Sabbath bandmates for what will be his final performance – “the greatest heavy metal show ever”.

The announcement was made by the star’s wife Sharon Osbourne and bandmate Tony Iommi at Villa Park in Birmingham, which will host the gig on 5 July.

The Back To The Beginning show will be the heavy metal band’s first performance together in 20 years, with original stars Osbourne, Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

It will also feature sets from acts including Metallica, Slayer, Alice In Chains and a “supergroup of musicians” including Duff McKagan and Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) and Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine).

Osbourne, 76, who has faced health problems including Parkinson’s disease in recent years, will play his own short set before joining his bandmates “for his final bow”.

Profits will be shared between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice, organisers said.

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning, time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Osbourne said in a statement. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love.

“Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.”

In 2023, Osbourne told fans he was no longer “physically capable” of performing shows he had planned in Europe and the UK, saying he “never imagined” his touring days would “have ended this way”.

The singer had extensive spinal surgery after a fall at home in 2019 aggravated injuries he suffered in a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003.

Despite his health problems, he has appeared at some one-off shows in recent years – including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and at half-time during an NFL game in California in the same year.

Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham in 1968 and went on to become one of the most successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide over the years.

Morello, who is also music director for the reunion show, said: “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”

Other acts confirmed for the gig include Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon.

More names will be announced shortly, organisers said.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 14 February.